Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Post Office: Compensation for Horizon scandal

30 June 2022 · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Proposed by Paul Scully Con Sutton and Cheam

Employment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The government intends to make an interim payment of 19.5m in compensation to eligible GLO members.
  • Freeths will assist with the final compensation scheme design, covering reasonable legal fees for participants.
  • The Government aims to complete HSS offers by the end of 2023.

Issue summary

The statement addresses compensation for postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal at the Post Office.

Action requested

The government intends to make an interim payment of £19.5m in compensation to eligible GLO members and is working towards appointing Freeths to assist with the final compensation scheme design, ensuring reasonable legal fees are covered for participants. Additionally, the Government aims to complete HSS offers by the end of 2023.

Key facts

  • The Horizon scandal affected postmasters between 1999 and 2015.
  • Interim payments totalling £19.5m will be made to eligible GLO members not covered by other schemes.
  • Total compensation so far is approximately £30m.
  • Freeths will access data and methodology for the final scheme design.
  • 75 convictions have been overturned with nearly £7m paid in interim payments.
  • 65% of eligible claimants under the Historical Shortfall Scheme (HSS) have received offers, totalling £29m offered.
  • The Government aims to complete HSS offers by December 2023.
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